An alcohol free bar and restaurant which also offers live music and comedy has opened in Chelmsford.

Abstinence is one of the only bars in the country which not only serves alcohol-free drinks but also puts on live events.

The project has been a long time coming for owner Wendy Sillett as she first came up with the idea two years ago.

Abstinence is in Fairfield Road, directly opposite the Civic Theatre.

The bar has now opened its doors and Essex Live got the first look inside - and a peek at the menus.

There will be a vibrant, safe atmosphere inside (Image: Abstinence)

Abstinence is a different concept for Essex, and the decor is pretty special too.

When you walk through the front door, the first thing you see is the large, copper-coloured bar with an attractive range of alcohol-free drinks behind it. The bar top is a bespoke design made from walnut with a row of lights which flicker up and down the edge.

The walls around the bar are covered with a black marble effect material with glittery pieces set inside it which looks stunning when the lights are all on.

Above the bar there are five huge bare light bulbs in copper settings.

To the left of the bar is the deli counter where people can grab some food to eat in or take away.

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The large bar serves a huge range of non-alcoholic drinks (Image: Abstinence)

The bar has huge windows at the front, which look out onto the entrance of the Civic Theatre.

People can choose to sit at the bar-style seating at the window or at the tables and chairs which are dotted around the venue. These are covered with silver or purple velvet and add to the bar’s plush feel.

In the far corner of the bar is the DJ area, lighting and small stage, where musicians and artists will perform.

Towards the back of the venue is the cosy area, with a covered, soft seating area and the same black and silver walls, adorned with a boudoir-style mirror surrounded by spotlights.

Wendy and her team have also revealed details of the food and drinks on offer at Abstinence.

Choose a dressing - such as balsamic vinegar, caesar, vinaigrette or chilli and lime.

Salad boxes will be available in small or large sizes.

Other items on the deli counter include:

Quiches

Sausage rolls

Cheeses

Marinated tofu

Paninis

All of the cocktails are made with Seedlip non-alcoholic spirits (Image: Abstinence)

What's on the breakfast menu?

Abstinence are working on this fantastic breakfast menu coming soon...

Breakfast will initially be served on Saturday and Sunday only, from 8am - 12pm.

The menu includes:

Light breakfasts

Toast and spreads (vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options)

Selection of cereals

Selection of pastries and cakes

Yoghurt, granola, seasonal berry compote

Bigger breakfasts

Smoked salmon and scrambled eggs on toast (gf option)

Avocado

Spiced sweet potato, harissa

Manchego cheese, toasted almonds, honey

Halloumi, caper salsa

Gorgonzola, fig, walnut

Goats cheese, golden beetroot, watermelon

Sandwiches (granary, white, gluten free)

Smoked bacon sandwich

Sausage sandwich

Veggie sausage sandwich

Vegan sandwich (vegan sausages or bacon, mushroom, tomato)

One of the pretty Seedlip cocktails (Image: Sseedlip)

“There are many reasons why people don’t drink these days,” said Wendy, who chooses not to drink alcohol herself. “It can be because of health reasons, diet and because they choose a healthy lifestyle and may choose to be vegan too. Or it might be for religious reasons, because of social anxiety or because they are in recovery.

“What we want to offer people is that choice. There is nowhere to go in the evening for a fun night out, to go dancing, to listen to live music, to watch a comedian, where there isn’t alcohol being served.”

There will be a varied programme of events at Abstinence including DJs playing 80s and 90s dance to the present day, professional comedy nights, live music, tribute acts, book readings and quiz nights. The DJ nights will be on Friday and Saturday, while Sunday nights will be more chilled, with comedy, jazz and acoustic acts.

Wendy will be working with events companies Sober Events and Sober is Fun to put on nights throughout the year.

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“What Abstinence is about is showing that you can have fun and enjoy a range of top quality entertainment without the necessity of alcohol, in a safer and more controlled environment,” Wendy said.

“We will be having door staff, even though we don’t have to because we are not serving alcohol, but we wanted to have that safe element.

“It’s exciting that it’s finally happening as it’s been a long journey. It’s been two years in the making.

“We are excited to launch a new concept and to offer high quality entertainment, we want the best. And we’ll be offering such a wide range of non alcoholic drinks including the Seedlip cocktails.

“There’ll be a vibrant atmosphere here with lots of good times and dancing - just without the need for alcohol.”